MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County has no confirmed cases of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as of Thursday afternoon. The county addressed the public in a press conference, where they also announced a new website listing businesses open for takeout and delivery.
Chautauqua County currently has 35 people in precautionary quarantine, and while they are still waiting on test results, all tests have come back negative, so far.
Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Director of Health and Human Services, emphasized in the press conference that while they do not have positive tests yet, they do believe the virus is spreading in the area.
However, Schuyler says, many healthy people who get coronavirus will only develop mild symptoms. For this reason, only people at high risk or who are seriously ill should seek testing.
Chautauqua County will prioritize tests for health care workers, those who are most ill, or those most at risk of serious illness. They are also asking the public to limit use of emergency services to those who have life-threatening illnesses, and that healthy people should not buy and use masks and other protective gear needed by medical professionals.
The county also announced the launch of CHQbuylocal.com, a website where people can find a list of open businesses (for takeout or delivery) in Chautauqua County. You can also add your restaurant on the website.
The county is currently looking into the use of Lakeshore Hospital as a potential quarantine site.
All Amish schools are currently closed, and the county is actively working to reach out to Amish communities and provide them all of the information that they need.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, hot your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.